First Star Academy

First Star Academy

Learn more about your impact

Fewer than 3 percent of foster youth earn a college degree. You can help combat this statistic with a gift to the First Star ASU Academy Fund. Your generosity helps Arizona's foster youth receive academic support and enrichment resources throughout high school that prepare them for a successful transition to higher education.

The academy provides intensive programming to ensure students have the necessary skills to complete high school, and enroll in and, ultimately, graduate from college. Students are engaged in a variety of learning opportunities and can earn college credit for academic course work, independent study and a four-week residential summer experience. They are also encouraged to participate in cultural and social activities, including field trips, recreational events, caregiver workshops and service learning.

I knew the numbers were against me, but I also knew it could be different."

Frank Smith, former foster child and alumnus, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions

Impact of Donor Support

  • More learners can pursue higher education. In 2022, 22,000 donors contributed $66.3 million for scholarships.
  • More students succeed. ASU ranks #1 among the state’s public universities for its 86% first-year retention rate thanks in part to donor-funded student success initiatives.
  • And donors helped ASU offer more than 4,500 hours of free tutoring.

Our family believes in giving back and sharing the blessings we have received financially and through our time."

Dave Derminio

’74 BS in business, former ASU golfer who supports student-athletes through the Derminio Family Sun Devil Golf Scholarship

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